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Despite their lack of success over the past few seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers remain committed to maximizing Damian Lillard’s remaining peak seasons and solidifying their chances as title contenders in the Western Conference.
The Blazers were one of the significant winners in the recent NBA Draft Lottery after they obtained the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, given the direction the team is going in, all signs point to the Blazers shopping their pick for an established player.
Per ESPN:
“The Blazers moving up from No. 5 to No. 3 raised eyebrows all over the league right away. The Blazers could of course keep that pick, but rival executives expect them to explore the kind of veteran help that pick — plus other players — might fetch for Damian Lillard.”
This being the case, KC Johnson of NBC Sports suggested that the Blazers could possibly become a team interested in making a deal for Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine. The 27-year old guard averaged 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on 48.5% shooting from the field in the 2022-23 NBA season.
Per NBC Sports:
“The speculation ranged from matters as bold as engaging the Portland Trail Blazers in trade talks centered on the No. 3 pick and Zach LaVine to lesser matters such as Patrick Williams’ future as he enters an offseason where he becomes extension eligible,” Johnson writes.
